Delia Ephron, renowned for penning romantic comedies like “You’ve Got Mail,” is venturing beyond fictional narratives to bring her own life story to Broadway. In a recent interview, Ephron discussed her journey of battling cancer and finding love later in life. This play, titled “Left on Tenth,” is an adaptation of her best-selling memoir, a personal tale of resilience and love.

Facing Life’s Challenges Head-On

Ephron’s play is a raw and poignant account of a woman facing immense challenges – losing her beloved husband after 38 years, battling a life-threatening disease, and finding love again amidst the adversity. “Left on Tenth” tells the story of Ephron’s incredible journey, navigating grief, illness, and the rediscovery of love in her later years. It highlights the courage and resilience that lies within her, showing how life can take unexpected turns, requiring us to face them with strength and grace.

Battling the Odds: A Triumph of the Human Spirit

Ephron’s journey is deeply personal, and the play reflects her journey of battling cancer and embracing love again. In her interview, she candidly spoke about her initial diagnosis, being given just four months to live, and her determination to live life to the fullest despite this grave prognosis. She lost her sister, Nora, and husband, Jerry, to cancer before being diagnosed herself. “Left on Tenth” captures the raw emotions, the fears, and the hopes she experienced as she fought for her life.

Love Beyond Age: Finding Meaning in the Later Chapters

The play also explores themes of love and finding connection later in life. Ephron’s journey shows that love is not bound by age or circumstance and that it can be found in the most unexpected places, even in the face of tragedy. The story highlights how even in the most difficult of times, the human spirit can find meaning and purpose in love and companionship.

Capturing Emotion and Laughter Through Theater

“Left on Tenth” is directed by the five-time Tony Award-winning Susan Stroman. Stroman’s own experiences with grief and loss have made her particularly sensitive to the play’s subject matter. “It’s about second chances, and love, and life, and being brave enough to take those second chances, ’cause most people aren’t,” said Stroman. Both Stroman and Ephron understand the complex and delicate nature of grief and love.

Balancing Humor and Tragedy: A Masterful Direction

Stroman skillfully brings the nuances of Ephron’s story to the stage, masterfully balancing the humorous and tragic elements of her journey. The play transitions seamlessly between laughter and tears, resonating with audiences who have experienced the complex tapestry of emotions that life brings.

Stellar Performances: A Cast that Embraces the Story

Julianna Margulies portrays Ephron on stage, delivering a performance that captures the spirit and strength of a woman who fought for life and embraced love. Joining Margulies is veteran actor Peter Gallagher, who plays Ephron’s love interest, highlighting the poignant themes of finding companionship later in life and seizing life’s moments.

Lessons from “Left on Tenth”: A Story for Our Times

Ephron’s play explores themes of resilience, love, second chances, and embracing life’s uncertainties. These themes resonate with audiences of all ages and experiences, making it a captivating and deeply moving theatrical experience.

Rediscovering Meaning in Life’s Later Stages

Ephron emphasizes the importance of finding meaning and purpose beyond traditional life milestones like marriage and career. “We plan our lives out as a young person: ‘Oh, I wanna get married. I wanna have children. I wanna have a career.’ You know, you make all these things. But then you don’t think, ‘Oh, what’s gonna happen to me after I’m 50? What life do I want then?’ It’s a much more open book. And this is about seizing those years and really creating something,” says Ephron. “Left on Tenth” reminds audiences that life’s journey does not end with a specific milestone.

Embracing Life’s Challenges with Courage and Openness

“Everything is precious,” Gallagher notes. “Left on Tenth” is a reminder to cherish every moment, embrace life’s unexpected turns, and face challenges with courage.

Key Takeaways

• Love has no age limit: “Left on Tenth” illustrates that finding love and experiencing companionship can occur at any stage in life.
• Life’s journey continues: Ephron’s story emphasizes the importance of finding meaning and purpose even in the face of life’s challenges and later stages.
• Embrace life’s unexpected turns: The play reminds us to be open to second chances, new beginnings, and seize every moment.